Social Policy Initiative - SPI

19/12/2024

As SPI closes its doors, we extend our deepest gratitude for the collaborations, partnerships, and friendships built over the past 18 years. Together, we have championed human dignity and social justice through research, advocacy, and action.

It’s been a journey of hope, challenges, laughter, and now, some tears. Though this chapter ends, SPI’s legacy lives on, with our research archived as the SPI Collection at the UWC archives.

In closing, we share Archbishop Thabo’s powerful message from our Gala Dinner: https://www.spi.net.za/spi-thank-you-for-18-years-of-impact/

Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey.

Wishing you a blessed season of rest and peace. ❤️

11/12/2024

✨ A Highlight from Our Farewell Gala Dinner ✨

In 2006, the Social Policy Initiative (SPI) was founded with a vision to champion human dignity, equality, and justice. Over the past 18 years, we’ve encountered challenges, celebrated milestones, and touched countless lives through our advocacy and community-focused projects.

As we prepare to close our doors, this gala dinner was a moment to reflect on our journey, honour the incredible individuals who made it possible, and celebrate the legacy we leave behind.

Thank you to everyone who has walked this path with us – partners, colleagues, and communities. Together, we’ve created impact that will resonate for years to come. 🌍❤️

12/11/2024

SPI congratulates the SOSCoalition on the victory of the SABC Bill withdrawal! 🎉 This achievement highlights the power of collective action and the impact we can make together. We’re proud to have contributed in solidarity to this important win. Well done to everyone involved!

🚨 VICTORY! The SABC Bill has been withdrawn! ✊

After months of relentless lobbying, we are pleased to hear of the Minister’s decision to scrap the SABC Bill, which was not in the interest of the public or the public broadcaster. SOS, along with 37 endorsing organisations, sees this as a win for civil society advocacy.

Read our press statement here:https://soscoalition.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241111-SOS-MMA-and-SANEF-Statement-on-SABC-Bill-Withdrawn-docx-Final.pdf

08/11/2024

Join us for a critical webinar In partnership with the Global Observatory of Long-Term Care on Social Protection, Inequality, and Redistributive Justice in Southern Africa! 🌍
📅 Date: 22 November 2024
🕐 Time: 13:00-14:30 GMT (Check your local time)
🔗 Register Here: https://lse.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsceiqqj0uGN2TgiuR4CvFEO7zNwqFicts #/registration

01/11/2024

📣 Social Policy Initiative (SPI) Closure Announcement

After 18 years of advocating for social justice and economic equity, SPI will close its doors in December 2024. We’re proud of our legacy, from pioneering research to advancing the call for a Universal Basic Income (UBI) to ensure dignity for all South Africans. As we conclude our journey, we invite you to read the full statement and join us in championing socio-economic justice: https://www.spi.net.za/statement-on-the-closure-of-the-social-policy-initiative-spi/

Thank you to our board, team, donors, and partners for walking this path with us.

28/10/2024

Last week, SPI was actively involved in the C20 Kick-off Workshop, a crucial step in preparing civil society engagement ahead of South Africa’s G20 Presidency. Hear directly from participants as they share their insights on why social protection is essential, how it can uplift communities, and what they hope to achieve as we move towards a transformative G20 agenda.

22/10/2024

🌍✨ SPI is honoured to join the G20 workshops on Financing for Development, Social Protection, and Global Public Goods, hosted by DPME. Our ED, Isobel Frye, will moderate today’s sessions as we prepare for South Africa’s upcoming G20 Presidency.

18/10/2024

In collaboration with the Institute for Economic Justice, the SPI explores the critical debate between fiscal austerity and the push for a rights-based universal income system. Learn about the key players, challenges, and what’s at stake in our latest case study.

Read more here: https://www.spi.net.za/case-study-rights-vs-austerity-the-battle-for-decent-universal-basic-income-in-south-africa/